I saw something on Instagram recently that reminded me of the quote above from Ekhart Tolle. 

The post looked like this:

This got me thinking about the power of gratitude. 

The special thing about gratitude is that, when you are feeling grateful, no other emotion can exist in that moment.  It takes over your being and reaches you on a soul, and cellular level. 

It fills your heart and changes your perspective.  It has the power to shift your mindset instantly, and turn something ordinary into the extraordinary. 

As you probably know, I have a 6 month old baby. I am learning every day what it means to be a mother. Every single day is a test in surrender, in trusting the timing of my life, in releasing the need to control.  Basically, having a kid is a like getting a Phd in spiritual growth and development 

  (if you let it.) 

As  you can imagine, and fellow mamas will know, my days are filled with new hard things: middle of the night feedings, early wake up calls, screaming, crying, diaper changes, leaky boobs, spit up, and the immense responsibility, time, and energy that it takes to raise a human who is 100% dependent on you. 

BUT – my days are also infused with toothless smiles, giggles, cuddles, and the greatest love I’ve ever known.  The kind of love that cracks your heart wide open and extends out to every baby, animal, and child, and shows you clear and plain how connected we all are.  

I am so reminded of when all I wanted was everything I have now: a true love and soul partner to do life with, a child who brightens my world and teaches me about authenticity and joy, a place to live that feels like home, and soul work that feels fulfilling and purposeful. 

Moe and I chose to take a major financial cut in exchange for his parental leave.  We live in Germany which means he was able to take 12 months of paternity leave.  For us, it was a non-negotiable to have this time together as a family. We committed to making the rest work. It was scary, but it was in alignment with our values. 

It’s funny because we spent a lot of time worrying about how we would live on so much less, plus the added expense of a baby, but somehow this feels like the first time that I can breathe and truly sit back and say I have everything I need.  

Regardless of all the time, freedom, and monthly income we no longer have, and all the new expenses and responsibilities, more than anything I have been feeling so grateful, and therefore so abundant.  

That feeling of “needing” more, of wanting more, of chasing something and it never being enough, is gone. Because I’m focusing all my energy on what I have already. 

Gratitude turns what you have into enough, and more.

There was this moment the other day when we were all laying on the bed and Moe and I were making Ayla laugh, and it just hit me.

Time slowed down and I wished I could have stayed in that moment forever. This is the shit that matters. Nothing else.  I have them, so I have everything. 

Today, I want to ask you to take a moment to acknowledge all the things in your life that you are grateful for.

• Make a list of 20 things that you want that you already have.

• Make a list of 5 things you are grateful for in this moment. 

Try to make this a daily practice. Your heart will thank you!

So much good is already here.  So much good is still to come. 

Love, 

Leila